Public Health, Safety, and Welfare: Reframing the Role of Architects and Design Professionals

Visionary architects and designers are working with environmental and health professionals to address blurring lines between the built and natural environments.

Description:

The built environment has an increasing influence on the natural environment and climate. The consensus in the health profession is that the health and wellness of the population has been dramatically degraded by the built environment. Through this course, you will examine how visionary architects and design professionals collaborate with environmental and health professionals to acknowledge the blurring lines between built and natural environments while accepting the responsibility to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare. You’ll learn the importance of site design and community and regional planning in the architect’s role. Active transportation, including walking, bicycling and transit, will be central to the discussion of achieving environmental and public health goals.

Learning objectives

Demonstrate an intentional focus on achieving targeted health outcomes through day-to-day practice, leadership, and policy-making (both in professional organizations and government).

Recognize the field of architecture as the means to design non-motorized transportation systems and microclimates that permit healthy, active living.

Identify the interrelationships between the built and natural environments and health outcomes, and communicate and work with public health professionals on attainment of local health and wellness goals.